I wrote this as a reply to Gandhi's own life's philosophy. In it, the letter "I" appeared never to be a concern, only the word "you." What are "you" doing to help a conflict, to help others? How can I be of service to "you"? "I hope I have not offended "you".

It's interesting how things connect so quickly. I wrote a poem posted Monday about Gandhi because the 'tiny thing' I had chosen as a topic made a connection (to me) - salt crystals. Since then I've read a graphic novel of Gandhi's life. Earl recommended it recently and I was able to find it at my library. While I know that a graphic novel cannot give the comprehensive information a written biography can, I enjoyed this thoroughly, found that some of the content connects to our conflicts in the U.S. now. There is so much disagreement, discontent, and worry. One can use those words to describe most of Gandhi's life, too, though there were always triumphs and wisdom that kept him going. Jason Quinn has written a wonderful first-person narrative of the life of Gandhi, a man known as Mahatma (great soul) which he did not approve of during his life. In the novel, Gandhi tells the story in a flashback and the artists allow him to appear in gray tones within the pages. Gandhi taught how one person's actions can make change. The gorgeous artwork by Sachin Nagar throughout is filled with details. I enjoyed the way that the scenes bled into other scenes rather than drawing cell after cell. The color drawings bring every part of this great man's journey to life. His story of Mahandas Karamchand Gandhi should not be forgotten. For mature readers and those also willing to do some research while reading.

This second book also concerns conflict. It's a new book by Debbie Levy about one Civil War battle, the Battle of Fredericksburg. There is one special moment shown between the blue and the gray when they sing together. This nonfiction picture book gives some information about the role of music in the Civil War from how it was used to regulate a day in the military to how it provided solace and comfort to soldiers. The book focuses on a "battle of the bands" that took place following this battle. Particular attention is given to the song Home, Sweet Home, which was popular in both the North and the South. Debbie included song lyrics and musical notation within her story. I especially loved the examples of parts of letters home given throughout the book. "My Dearest Wife . . . .Alas! Will the good old times ever return again? And you and I with our little ones dwell together in peace? I hope so. I believe so, but the heart sickens with the deferred hope." (Letter of December 15 from Confederate soldier P.H. Powers.) Versions of Dixie sung by the North and the South will be great for discussions about point of view. The back matter includes a timeline, bibliography, background on Fredericksburg, quotation sources and a history of the song Home, Sweet Home.-----------------------------

There were definitely times whilst reading Gandhi that I wanted to take a pic of a certain page because it seemed so timely. I wish more people learned from the past rather than have a "If at first you don't succeed, try again" with certain horrible acts!

Oh, that would be nice. I was wishing for my brother to be near so he could play some of those songs for me. I knew some of the songs, looked up Home Sweet Home to remind myself of the tune. It was a lovely book to read. Thanks, Michele.